It's always good to be able to quickly review how opponents past and present are performing, which can obviously have quite an effect on OSU in the polls.
The title will be indicative of the week...week 1 is Opponents 101. Week 2 will be Opponents 201, and so on. Got it?
Unless otherwise noted, all games are on Saturday. Without further delay, here's the list for 2015:
Central Michigan Chippewas
Record: 3-4 (MAC West, 2-1)
Last Game: vs Buffalo
Result: W, 51-14
Next Opponent: @ Ball State
National Ranking: NR
Comments:
CMU got back on the winning track with a blowout of Buffalo. They're on the road, but it's against a struggling Ball State squad that comes in 2-5 on the season.
Central Arkansas Bears (FCS)
Record: 3-3 (Southland, 3-1)
Last Game: vs McNeese State
Result: L, 28-14
Next Opponent: @ Lamar
National Ranking: NR
Comments:
The Bears winning streak was brought to an end by undefeated McNeese State. Next up, one of Baylor's victims...Lamar, who comes in also at 3-3, 2-2 in conference play.
UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio) Roadrunners
Record: 1-6 (Conf USA - West, 1-2)
Last Game: @ Southern Mississippi
Result: L, 32-10
Next Opponent: Bye
National Ranking: NR
Comments:
UTSA took another one on the chin from a decent looking Todd Monken squad. The bye week is much needed.
Texas Longhorns
Record: 2-4 (Big 12, 1-2)
Last Game: Bye
Result: NA
Next Opponent: vs Kansas State
National Ranking: NR
Comments:
So they got some rest, and now will face a Bill Snyder team that just suffered it's worst home loss in a VERY long time at the hands of OU. I'll bet they show up in Austin much better organized, much to the chagrin of the Longhorns.
Kansas State Wildcats
Record: 3-3 (Big 12, 0-3)
Last Game: vs #19 Oklahoma
Result: L, 55-0
Next Opponent: @ Texas
National Ranking: NR
Comments:
It's been a long time since the Wildcats got spanked like that at home, and even longer since they've been 0-3 in conference play. After facing three ranked teams, now they travel to Austin to face a rested and somewhat rejuvenated Texas squad.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Record: 3-3 (Big 12, 0-3)
Last Game: @ #2 Baylor
Result: L, 62-38
Next Opponent: Bye
National Ranking: NR
Comments:
Not sure if you're the best 0-3 team in the conference, but you're definitely the 0-3 team most in need of a bye. I'll bet Kansas State would trade you in a heartbeat.
Kansas Jayhawks
Record: 0-6 (Big 12, 0-3)
Last Game: vs Texas Tech
Result: L, 30-20
Next Opponent: @ #19 Oklahoma State
National Ranking: NR
Comments:
You had OSU on the ropes last season, and then for the first time the whole game you kicked to Tyreek Hill, and poof went the potential win. You had the ball and a chance for the win against Tech, then a pick 6 sucked the air out of that upset balloon. You'll have two consecutive chances when you close the season at home against WVU and KState, but between now and then you've got no shot.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Record: 5-2 (Big 12, 2-2)
Last Game: @ Kansas
Result: W, 30-20
Next Opponent: @ #17 Oklahoma
National Ranking: NR
Comments:
You got the win, just barely, but they don't ask how. Now things toughen up, with two consecutive games against ranked opponents.
TCU Horned Frogs
Record: 7-0 (Big 12, 4-0)
Last Game: @ Iowa State
Result: W, 45-21
Next Opponent: Bye
National Ranking: 4
Comments:
The rankings continue to be unkind to the Frogs, who just keep winning. Not sure how much the bye week will help, as so many injuries were season-ending, but it almost never hurts (no pun intended).
Iowa State Cyclones
Record: 2-4 (Big 12, 1-2)
Last Game: vs #3 TCU
Result: L, 45-21
Next Opponent: @ #2 Baylor
National Ranking: NR
Comments:
You're gonna be sore after your next game. Make sure you use protection.
Baylor Bears
Result: 6-0 (Big 12, 3-0)
Last Game: vs West Virginia
Result: W, 62-38
Next Opponent: vs Iowa State
National Ranking: 2
Comments:
You faced a decent, although banged up, defense, unfortunately their offense couldn't help them enough to accomplish much. The points barrage should continue this week.
Oklahoma Sooners
Record: 5-1 (Big 12, 2-1)
Last Game: @ Kansas State
Result: W, 55-0
Next Opponent: vs Texas Tech
National Ranking: 17
Comments:
Nice recovery. Now let's see if you can put two consecutive good performances together. Win out from here and you're the Big 12 champs.
Keep and eye out at CRFF for game times and channels for all the Big 12 action.